My First Big Presentation: Career-Making Moment or Total Trainwreck?

[Root] Access is an advice column for questions about IT issues, career moves, and workplace concerns.

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Dear [Root] Access,

I’m freaking out about giving a presentation at work. I’ll be in front of at least a few hundred people, plus many others joining remotely. I’m an IT professional, and while I’m comfortable with my technical skills, explaining complex IT ideas to non-technical people trips me up. I tend to get tongue-tied, feel like I’m talking in circles, or use jargon that makes everyone’s eyes glaze over. Speaking to such a large audience—most of whom won’t understand my topic—has me more anxious than I’ve ever been at work.

I know this presentation is a great opportunity to gain visibility within the company. It’s a chance to showcase my expertise and make a positive impression. But I worry about embarrassing myself. Part of me wonders if I should ask my manager to have someone else give the presentation—someone more experienced in breaking things down for non-tech audiences.

Is it worth pushing myself to give this presentation, even if it risks being forty-five minutes of technobabble? Or would it be better to spare myself the stress and let someone else handle it?

—Presenting With Panic

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Dear Presenting With Panic,

Congratulations! You’ve made a real impact in your role and now have a chance to share your expertise with others. It’s okay to feel hesitant about presenting, and you’re not alone. A study published in the National Library of Medicine estimates that 77% of the population fear public speaking.

You’ve mentioned the benefits of presenting: gaining exposure and showcasing your expertise. 

You’ve also noted your anxieties: confusing or boring the audience. It gives you a clear roadmap for your next steps. 

Public Speaking Tips

Let’s say your talk is about how you use automation to simplify IT at your company. To prepare, write the entire presentation in advance, using these principles that are the opposite of your concerns:

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Next, seek feedback from two people: (1) a colleague known for giving clear presentations and (2) someone from your target audience. Share your outline with them and ask for their input. When do they feel confused, lost, or bored? Then, practice your presentation in front of them and ask for the same feedback again. 

You could also consider partnering with someone who has more experience with public speaking. Frame it as a win-win: They learn about your topic while boosting their career through mentorship, while you’d have a knowledgeable partner to lean on during the presentation. 

Stay motivated by reminding yourself of the positive outcomes. Manage your anxiety by preparing thoroughly. The audience is less likely to be confused if you tailor your presentation to their needs.

You wouldn’t have written if you weren’t open to this challenge. Prepare, remember the benefits, feel the anxiety, and do it anyway.

More professional advice:

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